Black Canyon City, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Black Canyon City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Black Canyon City fall between December 22 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as February 21.
- Compared with Peoria, AZ, 52 km away, the last frost here is 5 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 19 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 22 |
| 90% (late) | January 26 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Black Canyon City, AZ only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Castle Hot Springs, AZ weather station, 23 km away (elevation 1,991 ft (607 m)).
Frost dates near Black Canyon City
- New River Jan 15 · Dec 22
- Crown King Apr 5 · Nov 17
- Cave Creek Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Mayer Apr 5 · Nov 17
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Humboldt Apr 30 · Oct 20
- Sun City West Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Morristown Feb 5 · Dec 11
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Black Canyon City, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Black Canyon City, AZ is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Black Canyon City, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Black Canyon City, AZ?
About 341 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Black Canyon City, AZ?
Black Canyon City, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.